Portugal - Wales: 'Fire dragon' flies high?

(Baonghean) - Early tomorrow morning (02:00, July 7), fans will witness an exciting match between Portugal and Wales in the Semi-final 1 of Euro 2016. Many people believe that with the class and bravery of the "big guy" Portugal will be crowned at EURO 2016. However, Welsh fans do not believe in that, because the "Fire Dragon" is ready to fight to fly higher...

Bale and Ronaldo were the focus of the Euro 2016 Semi-final 1 between Wales vs Portugal.

Portugal's gradual progress in this year's Euro finals has taken the football world from one surprise to another. Although Portugal is considered one of the big names in Europe, their strength is not really strong.

In fact, Ronaldo and his teammates' journey to the semi-finals was very unconvincing with 5 draws in 90 minutes. Coach Santos's team only finished 3rd in the group stage and had a hard-fought victory in the knockout round against Croatia (round of 16) and Poland (quarter-finals) with a very ugly, sleepy style of play, negative defense with the aim of dragging the match to a penalty shootout.

However, coach Santos did not hesitate to declare: "I will choose ugliness to continue to enter the next round". Obviously, in a situation where they were not highly appreciated before the Euro Finals started, they renewed themselves to get a ticket to the semi-finals.

From being focused solely on superstar Ronaldo, Portugal is now a team that takes the strength of a hardworking, cohesive team as a compass for its goal of hegemony. That team not only has Ronaldo but also the experienced, tenacious Pepe in defense; the powerful young talent Sanches, who is having a dream start when playing like a spirit in the midfield area and the "wild horse" Quaresma who possesses the ability to finish accurately when needed.

Is that enough for fans of the team that has reached the Euro semi-finals 5 times to believe in a victory tomorrow morning? I'm afraid it will be very difficult when all factors seem to be against them. The fact that Portugal received bad news when "defensive leader" - Center-back Pepe is at risk of not being able to participate in this semi-final due to a thigh injury has made many people question Portugal's defensive ability against the sharp, in-form Wales attack. Historically, Portugal has never won a ticket to play in the Euro final when the tournament was held outside its territory...

Despite being rated lower than the "big guy" Portugal, Wales is one of the best teams in this Euro season. Looking back at the journey of coach Coleman and his team since the beginning of the tournament, it is truly a united army, not the somewhat sarcastic name: "Bale and teammates" or "Bale Country".

Victory is calling the name of the "Welsh Fire Dragon". Photo: Internet

Topping Group B, above England and Russia - countries much larger than them in terms of area, population, history and football achievements. In particular, with the comeback to defeat Belgium with a score of 3-1, coach Coleman and his team showed that their success in France was completely deserved and not due to luck. That was the strongest warning that the Welsh warriors sent to Portugal.

Besides a solid defense, a sharp attack and a versatile midfield, discipline, excellent fighting spirit and the desire to fly high are the best "weapons" that help them write a fairy tale in their first participation in the final round of a major tournament.

Coach Coleman's ability to read the game very well with reasonable substitutions and tactical changes is the core factor for Wales to continuously surprise. Along with that, the magical 5-3-2 tactical formation with a more safe tendency certainly makes it difficult for Portugal. Because from the beginning of the tournament, this team often emphasizes caution above all, so when facing opponents with similar tendencies, Ronaldo and his teammates lose the necessary initiative.

In terms of force, Wales is suffering some losses when Ramsey and Ben Davies have received 2 yellow cards before. But this is a good condition for coach Coleman to launch strategic cards and will more or less surprise Portugal in the way they respond.

Before this decisive match, Coach Coleman said that he had never thought about the championship but: "Wales' goal is very clear, which is to try to win every match". And those who love fairy tales believe that Portugal will have to accept defeat while the "Welsh Dragon" will continue to fly high with the sweet dream of a winner!

Son Chu